I practiced as a monk alone in Japan.

Chapter 219 is not dedicated to Alice.

Chapter 219 is not dedicated to Alice.
"When did you arrive, senior?"

The two had already left the stadium, and no one was following them.

Akihiko Miura is currently enjoying the treatment of being the center of attention, even though this treatment was brought about by Gen Tsukino, and everyone around him is asking, what kind of monster is this guy?

However, his friend's glory is his own glory, and he enjoyed it without hesitation.

Saionji and Tsukino Gen walked through the school after school. The sunset wasn't very intense yet, but the school already seemed quite empty.

"I was here when you first started, and I was hoping to shoot more, but how come it's over after just two balls? Wasn't it supposed to be five?"

Saionji Karen still seemed to want more.

Tsukino Gen chuckled and said, "With an opponent of that level, wouldn't playing five balls make me look weak?"

This isn't bragging; it was indeed my initial idea.

Otherwise, Tsukino Gen wouldn't have chosen to dunk on the second shot; he was too lazy to play games with someone of Mizutani's caliber.

Forget all that, just show off your muscles and that's it.

Otherwise, if I had extra time, would I really play five balls with you? That's impossible.

Upon hearing the answer, Saionji Karen laughed lightly. "As expected of Tsukino-kun, even your answers are as confident as ever. But don't you think that being a little more humble at times like this would win over girls?"

Gen Tsukino retorted directly, "Do I really have to win over my senior's favor?"

Karen Saionji pouted slightly in dissatisfaction, "It's even more hurtful that someone who isn't straight makes such straight-man-like statements."

"Hahahaha." Tsukino Gen chuckled, then said, "Just kidding. Actually, I'm not one to feign modesty. Being modest when you shouldn't is just more annoying, isn't it?"

"Tsukino-kun has reasons for both sides."

With her camera in hand, Saionji walked briskly, the hem of her pleated skirt swaying slightly, like a lotus leaf spread on a lake.

Saionji is undoubtedly beautiful in every way.

Despite having the air of a noble lady, she possesses a friendly and gentle nature.

Whether it was her previous medium-length hair or her current shoulder-length hair, it suited her perfectly.

The key is that there seems to be no pressure talking to her, and I'm not worried that she has ulterior motives, because sometimes she's so honest that it's like she's lying.

"By the way, how did you know I was at the basketball court?"

Tsukino Gendo asked.

Karen Saionji struck that pose of a Japanese anime heroine again, placing her index finger to her lips as if deep in thought. Then she turned her face, her eyes crinkling into a smile.

"It's a bit of a roundabout story; it was Miura Akihiko's older sister who told me about it."

Miura Ayaka?

No.

Where has this all gone?

Tsukino Gen looked at the other person in disbelief. "How did she know? Did Miura tell her? No, why would Miura tell her this? And why would she tell you this?"

Can conversations between women really go on for so long?
And they came at just the right time.

Tsukino Gen always found it unbelievable, even more so than when people on the basketball court watched him dunk.

Saionji didn't intend to explain in detail, but simply smiled and said, "This is the price of spreading your charm everywhere, Tsukino-kun. Knowing that someone is secretly watching you like this, are you sweating bullets?"

Gen Tsukino nodded. "You know what, there's a bit of that in me. But it's not my fault that I exude charm everywhere; it's natural and not something I do intentionally. Unless I never leave the house again, or I become disfigured."

"Huh? You actually believe that? Is Tsukino-kun's narcissism such that he might need to see a psychologist?"

Karen Saionji looked surprised.

Gen Tsukino smiled and shook his head. "Geniuses are always a little morbid. If this is my flaw, then I hope I am an imperfect person."

"No. I need to find a tree to lean on. I'm laughing so hard I can barely walk."

It wasn't actually that exaggerated, but Tsukino Gen still stopped under a tree and waited for Saionji for a while before asking.

"What are you going to do now? If there's nothing else, I'll go home first."

"You're going home after I've only filmed a little bit?"

Saionji said with dissatisfaction.

Tsukino Gen looked around. "The young lady isn't here either. Am I the only one taking pictures?"

"Of course I'll find the time for her, and there will be opportunities for you two to appear together. Don't worry."

"I'm not in a hurry."

"You're in a hurry."

"A little bit."

"Hmm? You're so looking forward to being in the same frame as the young lady? I thought you'd mind." Saionji Karen blinked.

Gen shrugged and said nonchalantly, "A girl as beautiful as Miss is practically perfect in my eyes. It would be a wonderful thing to have a video of us together. Why should I mind?"

"Are you trying to incite my jealousy by praising another beautiful girl in front of a beautiful girl?"

"Then you're overthinking it, senior. I wasn't thinking about you at all."

"boom."

In front of Gen Tsukino, Karen Saionji kicked a pebble away.

Tsukino Gen looked away and turned to look at her. "Senior, you seem to be in a hurry."

Karen Saionji looked coldly at Gen Tsukino. "A little, huh? What are you going to do about it?"

"So where do you want to film, and what do you want to film?"

Saionji gave a soft hum, elegantly tossing her head and letting her hair fall over her shoulder. Then she adjusted her expression as well.

"Just follow me. Don't worry, there are no traps, no dangers, no honey traps, and no dozen men in black waiting for you to drug you and sell your organs as soon as you arrive."

Why does it feel like you're describing your criminal methods?

"Scared? If you're scared, then don't come along."

"Then I'm going home."

"Snapped."

Saionji grabbed Tsukino Gen's wrist.

"You're really leaving?!" The boy nodded obediently. "I'm the kind of person who listens to advice the most."

"Get out of here, come with me right now."

Seemingly leaving no room for misunderstanding, Saionji released her hand after saying those words.

However, the residual temperature has become a fact.

Sometimes, the so-called ambiguity doesn't require two people to discover a fact together, then look at each other and see the shyness in each other's eyes to be considered a success.

That's not sophisticated enough.

What's even more sophisticated is that everything is done so naturally, yet it becomes a reality, leaving a lasting and touching impression.

How can something artificial and deliberate compare to something subtle and gentle like a gentle rain?
Saionji led the way, guiding Tsukino Gen into the complex that housed open classrooms, laboratories, and a dance studio.

The girl holding the key easily opened a door.

The classroom was spacious with plenty of seats, and the sunlight streaming in through the undrawn curtains bathed the floor.

But the most special thing is the piano that sits quietly on the podium.

She smiled at Gen Tsukino and said, "I went to great lengths to borrow the key to this piano classroom, so don't let me down."

Tsukino Gen looked at the other person suspiciously, "You're not thinking of filming me playing the piano, are you?"

Karen Saionji nodded without hesitation. "Of course. On my birthday, you looked just like a down-on-his-luck nobleman. You didn't know anything, just some sweet talk and tricks to girls. You must have been very charming sitting at the piano. But unfortunately, since it's a school promotional video, you had to wear the school uniform. What a pity."

Tsukino Gen looked at her amusedly, "I never said I could play the piano. Do you really think I'm Superman?"

Saionji said nonchalantly, "Don't worry, you don't need to know how. We can add audio later. I'll try not to film close-ups of your fingers. You just need to pretend. As long as you have the presence, people will believe it."

"People will believe you if someone plays the piano without clapping?"

Gen Tsukino stretched out his hands, showing off his beautiful ten fingers.

She is indeed very beautiful—long, straight, and with fair skin. Actually, men are more suitable to be hand models than women, since their hands are bigger.

He is undoubtedly one of the best among them.

God seems to be too biased; how come He gives him all the good things?
Saionji replied with a smile, "Of course there will be. Not many people care whether you will or not. Just seeing your face is enough to make many people overlook the details."

Saionji watched as Tsukino Gen slowly walked to the piano.

He reached out and gently stroked the well-maintained piano. There was no dust accumulation, and the few notes he pressed did not seem to be out of tune.

Sunlight fell on his shoulders as he looked down at the zither.

Saionji thought the scene was incredibly beautiful, like a pianist gazing lovingly at his soulmate. Those eyes, even when looking at a dog, were filled with affection.

So how do you film it?

Tsukino Gendo asked.

Saionji picked up the camera and smiled, saying, "It's very simple. Just sit in the chair and start pressing the buttons randomly, as long as there's a forceful motion. You have to be like those pianists, sometimes low and deep, sometimes passionate, sometimes with your eyes slightly closed. Can you do that?"

"The requirements are a bit high, and it's quite pretentious, but I can give it a try."

"That's fine."

"By the way, senior, if I may ask, did you specifically ask me to film you playing the piano because you like the piano?"

The seemingly casual question caused Saionji's smile to dim, and her smile became somewhat unsteady.

"Yeah, I'd say I like it. I really like Alice in Wonderland."

"Wait? Is this the one? I've only ever heard 'Für Elise' before?"

"Because I'm talking nonsense. Okay, let's begin."

Saionji raised his camera and aimed it at the boy sitting behind the piano in the setting sun.

The composition of this picture is already very beautiful.

It's just a pity he doesn't know how.
"."

"."

As the flowing notes begin to flow.

The unique rhythm of that piano piece began to play, but it wasn't "Für Elise".

She smiled and quietly patted and watched until the boy finished playing the entire piano piece.

She pressed pause.

Gen Tsukino looked at her and smiled, saying, "I don't really like to fake things, so it's better to play for real."

Karen Saionji tilted her head slightly and said with a half-smile, "Actually, I'm not surprised that you can play the piano. I think it's normal for you to be able to do anything. What surprises me is something else."

"what?"

"I've already told you, I prefer Für Elise, so why play Croatian Rhapsody?"

Seriously, playing Croatian Rhapsody in front of a girl isn't romantic at all, okay?
Gen shrugged, just as he was about to answer.

Sudden.

A cold voice came from the door.

"Probably because I like it more."

The two of them turned their heads to look at the door at the same time.

The young lady, dressed in her school uniform and carrying her schoolbag, stood there calmly watching the two of them.

Saionji Karen showed no sign of guilt or surprise; instead, her smile grew even brighter.

"When did Xiao Lin arrive? I was wondering where you were."

"I've been in the activity room the whole time. When did you come looking for me? At this time, would it be better if I didn't show up?"

She walked in step by step.